Wheel well straightener

ABSTRACT

The Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention consists of a curved panel having one or more grasping channels for effectively grasping a segment of a damaged wheel well. The Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention also includes an attachment hole such that a come-along, frame machine, power post, hook and chain, or any other suitable pulling apparatus known in the industry can successfully be attached to provide the tension necessary to reform the dented wheel well. Once tension is applied, the Wheel Well Straightener may be advanced along the pinch-weld of the wheel well to smooth any damaged portions and return them to the original wheel well shape.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of tools for use in the automotive bodywork industry. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to the tools used to repair automotive vehicle fenders and wheel wells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Despite the advances in modern automotive repair technology, there does not currently exist a device to quickly and accurately repair a dented wheel well. Traditionally, a hammer and pliers have been the conventional means to perform this repair. Alternatively, a threaded post with a slide weight has also been used to remove dents from metallic panels. Unfortunately, using the conventional tools, the repair of a dented wheel well is still a time and labor intensive endeavor. This is particularly so in dents involving the pinch-weld along the inside edge of the wheel well. In such a dent, the welded union of the outer body panel and the under-carriage metal panels is bent, resulting in an even more difficult and time consuming repair. Further, the conventional method of repair leaves the worked metal surface severely convoluted and dimpled, thus requiring extensive finishing work, such as the need for grinding and the addition of fiberglass fillers and spot putty.

[0003] In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a wheel well straightener for use in repairing damaged wheel wells and fenders which is simple to use, which will reduce the amount of necessary finishing work, is easy to manufacture, and may be used on virtually any vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In light of the above, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention includes a dent-pulling and straightening device compatible with virtually any automobile. The Wheel Well Straightener is used to reconstruct and reform the original curvature of a dented wheel well, usually as a result of an automobile accident.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention consists of a flat piece of metal or similar material having a wheel well servicing end that is curved to form a channel to effectively grasp a segment of the undamaged wheel well adjacent to the dented portion of wheel well. The Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention also includes an attachment hole whereby a come-along, frame machine, power post, hook and chain, or any other suitable pulling apparatus known in the industry can successfully be attached to provide the tension necessary to reform the dented wheel well to its original shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The nature, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein:

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention showing a panel having an array of grasping channels, where each grasping channel is sized to receive the pinch-weld of a typical wheel well;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the Wheel Well Straightener of FIG. 1, showing the grasping channels separated by gaps, and the panel having a radius of curvature;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the Wheel Well Straightener of FIG. 2, showing a grasping channel having an entry flange for facilitating the feeding of damaged wheel well metal into the grasping channel, and having a set screw for securing the Wheel Well Straightener to the pinch weld for improved straightening;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener having a rigid center panel and two flexible side panels attached to the center panel by a series of welds, and each side panel is formed with a grasping channel having an entry flange on its outside edge;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention showing the hinged attachment of the two side panels to the center panel, and showing the center panel formed with a grasping channel;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a number of side panels attached to the center panel with a series of longitudinal hinges which allow the side panels to approximate the curvature of virtually any wheel well, and each panel is formed with a grasping channel for engaging the pinch-weld of the wheel well;

[0013]FIG. 7 is perspective view of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention being used on a typical vehicle having wheel well damage;

[0014]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the usage of the Wheel Well Straightener of FIG. 7 showing the positioning of the pinch weld of the wheel well inside the grasping channel, and the attachment of the pulling cable for supplying the necessary metal-bending forces;

[0015]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a pair of pivoting grasping channels for engaging fenders of varying curvature;

[0016]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a detachable pulling loop for attachment to a variety of frame machines;

[0017]FIG. 11 is a front view of a portion of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention showing a grasping channel having a curved portion which minimizes tearing or damaging the pinch weld of a severely damages wheel well during repair;

[0018]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a single grasping channel formed on a single, narrow, panel;

[0019]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a panel and two (2) pieces of channel stock welded to the panel to form two (2) grasping channels; and

[0020]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention having a panel formed with multiple engagement slots for attaching appropriate grasping channels to the panel corresponding to the wheel well being straightened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring first to FIG. 1, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 100. Wheel Well Straightener 100 includes a panel 102 having a pulling tab 104. Panel 102 opposite pulling tab 104 includes three grasping channels 106, 108 and 110. Grasping channels 106 and 108 are separated by gap 107, and grasping channels 108 and 110 are separated by gap 109.

[0022] Each grasping channel is formed with a U-shaped cross-section to define a channel having a height 112 sufficient to closely and securely receive the pinch-weld of a typical automobile fender or wheel well. Grasping channels 108 and 110 also serve to retain a damaged wheel well against panel 102 which, in combination with the grasping channels, straightens the pinch weld. The gaps 107 and 109 are of a particular importance when considering the channel height because their presence allow for panel 102 to be bent to curves having differing radii without significantly affecting the channel height. The width 114 of each grasping channel may vary, but it is to be appreciated that the use of the entire combined length 118 of the grasping channels provides a distinct advantage over prior art methods of wheel well straightening. More specifically, because the entire length 118 of the Wheel Well Straightener 100 of the present invention engages a pinch-weld simultaneously, there is little likelihood for the metal or pinch-weld to be over-stressed or dimpled during the repair. Instead, the entire length of the pinch-weld within the grasping channels is simultaneously pulled back into its original shape, providing for a smooth repaired surface and a wheel well having its original curvature.

[0023] The Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention may be made any durable material known in the art, including for example, metal alloys such as steel. Preferably, panel 102 is formed of a metal which is capable of being bent in order to form the grasping channels 106, 108 and 110 by bending the panel at location 126 to create a channel gap 127. Each grasping channel 106, 108 and 110 has a channel depth 116 sufficient to substantially receive the pinch-weld of the wheel well such that the pinch-weld sits firmly within the grasping channel. In a preferred embodiment, channel depth 116 is one inch (1″), but may vary depending on the particular pinch weld being repaired. Also, panel 102 may be bent in directions 128 and 130 to change the curvature of the panel in order to accommodate wheel wells having a different radius of curvature, or portions of a single wheel well having different curvatures.

[0024] Pulling tab 104 is formed with a pulling hole 122 which provides for attachment of a pulling apparatus such as a come-along, frame machine, power post, hook and chain, or any other suitable pulling apparatus known in the industry. The pulling apparatus is needed to provide the tension necessary to reform the dented wheel well, and to straighten the pinch-weld as the wheel well is pulled back into its proper position.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, the Wheel Well Straightener 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in cross-section. This view highlights the curved nature of panel 102 having a radius of curvature 132. As shown in this Figure, the presence of gaps 107 and 109 provide for the flexing of panel 102. Thus, as the radius of curvature 132 varies, the gaps 107 and 109 allow the grasping channels 106, 108 and 110 to spread apart, but nonetheless maintain the size of the channel gap 127.

[0026] Wheel Well Straightener 100 is shown having three grasping channels 106, 108 and 110, separated by two gaps 107 and 109. However, any number of grasping channels 106 having a variety of widths 114 may be used. In fact, because of the curvature of panel 102, the more gaps treat are formed on the panel, the easier the panel will be to bend to the proper curvature, and the less change will be made in the grasping channel height 112.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the grasping channels shown in FIG. 2 may be formed to have differing channel heights 150, 152 and 154. More specifically, in order to facilitate the use of Wheel Well Straightener 100 on wheel wells that have been heavily damaged, grasping channel 106 may be formed with a large channel height 150, grasping channel 108 may be formed with a medium channel height 152, and grasping channel 110 may be formed with a small channel height 154. Thus, as the Wheel Well Straightener was advanced along the wheel well, the damaged metal would first be coarsely straightened by grasping channel 106, then more finely straightened by grasping channel 108, and then nearly perfectly straightened by grasping channel 110.

[0028] Additionally, the channel heights 150 of the grasping channels 106 may vary across the grasping channel. For example, the channel height 150 at the leftmost end 156 of grasping channel 106 may be much greater than the channel height at the rightmost end 158 of grasping channel 106. This height change, or tapering, would allow the Wheel Well Straightener to be used on heavily damaged metal, and the decreasing channel height, or tapering, would serve to gradually repair the damage to the metal as the Wheel Well Straightener is advanced along the wheel well. Additionally, end 156 of grasping channel 106 may be flared as shown by dashed lines 157 to facilitate sliding the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention over heavily damaged pinch welds.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, the grasping channel 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown with a turned-up portion 133 which facilitates use of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention on crumpled or wrinkled wheel wells. For example, as the pinch-weld of the wheel well is passed in direction 134 into the turned-up portion 133, the pinch-weld is straightened and the now-straightened wheel-well passes out of grasping channel 106 in direction 136.

[0030] Grasping channel 106 may be formed with a threaded portion 140 for receiving a set screw 142 such that when screw 142 is threaded into the threaded portion in direction 146, screw tip 144 engages a pinch-weld of a wheel well within the grasping channel. In this manner, the auto-body technician using the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention may insure that, despite even the most severe damage to the wheel well, the wheel well may be rigidly engaged by the Wheel Well Straightener for straightening. To facilitate the tightening and loosening of the set screw 142, the set screw may be threaded through the panel 102 from the side opposite the grasping channel 106.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown in perspective and generally designated 200. Wheel Well Straightener 200 includes a center panel 202 and a pair of side panels 204 and 206. In this preferred embodiment, these side panels 204 and 206 are firmly attached to the center panel 202 with welds 208, but it is to be appreciated that any method of attaching the side panels 204 and 206 to center panel 202 may be used. Side panels 204 and 206 are formed with grasping channels 210 and 212 having channel gaps 214 and 216. Also, the grasping channels may be formed with turned-up portions 218 and 220 which facilitate the straightening of severely damaged pinch-welds, and minimizes any chance of tearing the pinch-weld metal.

[0032] Side panels 204 and 206 may be thinner than center panel 202. For example, thickness 229 of side panel 206 may be less than the thickness 230 of center panel 202. The thinner side panels provide for the easy changing of the curvature of the side panels in directions 220 and 222 to allow for use of the Wheel Well Straightener 200 of the present invention or wheel wells having varying curvatures. Also, the thicker center panel 202 provides for additional strength on the portion of the Wheel Well Straightener 200 which attaches directly to the tension source via the attachment hole 226.

[0033] As an alternative to the side panels 204 and 206 being attached to center panel 202, Wheel Well Straightener 200 may be formed from a single sheet having both side panels 202 and 204 attached together, and having a center panel 202 attached to the single sheet for added strength and reinforcement. This attachment may be by welding the single sheet to the center panel 202, thereby allowing for the modification of the curvature of the side panels, while ensuring sufficient strength to avoid deformation of the panels when exposed to the pulling forces necessary to straighten the wheel well. In this embodiment, the curvature of the side panels 204 and 206 may be modified by physically bending the side panels.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown in perspective and generally designated 300. Wheel Well Straightener 300 includes a center panel 302 and a pair of side panels 304 and 306, joined together with a pair of hinges 308 and 310. Each panel 302, 304 and 306 may be formed with a grasping channel 312, 314, and 316 as discussed above in conjunction with other embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Hinges 308 and 310 allow side panels 304 and 306 to rotate about axes 319 and 321 in directions 320 and 322, respectively, to allow for the use of Wheel Well Straightener 300 on vehicles having wheel wells of varying sizes and curvatures. Also, width 324 of the side panels 304 and 306 may vary, in order to accommodate wheel wells having smaller curvatures.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 400. Wheel Well Straightener 400 includes a center panel 402 with an attachment hole 403, and an array of side panels 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, and 416. Each of these panels is attached to its adjacent panel via longitudinal hinges. For example, side panel 404 is attached to center panel 402 with hinges 418, 420, and 422. Similarly, side panel 410 is attached to center panel 402 with hinges 424, 426 and 428. This method of attachment provides for the dynamic determination of the curvature of the Wheel Well Straightener 400 into virtually any curvature, thereby allowing the use of Wheel Well Straightener 400 on nearly any vehicle, and eliminating the need for manual modification of the radius of curvature.

[0037] Each panel is equipped with a grasping channel, such as grasping channels 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, and 442. Also, the outermost grasping channels 436 and 442 may be formed with turned-out portions 444 and 446 to facilitate the advancing of the Wheel Well Straightener 400 along the pinch-weld of a severely damaged wheel well.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, center panel 402 and each of the side panels 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, and 416 have a width 450 of approximately one inch (1″), but it is to be appreciated that either small or larger widths 450 may be used.

[0039] Referring ahead to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 600. Wheel Well Straightener 600 includes a panel 602 having a pull tab 604 formed with a pulling hole 606. Panel 602 is also formed with additional pulling holes 608 and 610 which are directly in line with pivoting panels 612 and 614, each formed with a grasping channel 616 and 618. Grasping channels 616 and 618 define channel gaps 620 and 622 for closely and securely receiving a damaged wheel well and pinch weld.

[0040] Pivoting panels 612 and 614 are pivotally attached to panel 602 with pins 630. Pins 630 allow for the angular movement of pivoting panels to enable an auto-body technician to engage a heavily damages wheel well. For example, pivoting panel 612 can move from a first position 624 to a second position 628, an angular distance 626 of perhaps several degrees, in order to securely engage a damaged pinch well into the grasping channel 620. Using the Wheel Well Straightener 600 enables the engagement of a damages wheel well, while simultaneously providing for the secure engaging of an un-damaged portion of the wheel well. In this manner, the auto-body technician can quickly engage a damaged wheel well and return it to its original shape.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 650. Wheel Well Straightener 650 includes a single panel 652 formed with a pulling tab 654 and two grasping channels 656 and 658. Grasping channels 656 and 658 form channel gaps 660 and 662 to engage a wheel well and pinch weld, as discussed above.

[0042] The single panel construction of Wheel Well Straightener 650 provides for the easy modification of curvatures to quickly and easily repair a wheel well of virtually any curvature. Pulling tab 654 is formed with a pulling hole (not shown) through which a bolt 666 is passed, along with washer 668 and nut (not shown) securely attach pulling ring 664 to pulling tab 654. Pulling tab 654 is sized to receive any of the traditional tension devices discussed above and known in the industry.

[0043] Panel 652 may also be formed with additional pulling holes 670 and 672 such that pulling loop 664 may be removed from pulling tab 654 and re-installed in pulling holes 670 and 672. In this manner, a tension force attached to pulling loop 664 may be place directly adjacent a single grasping channel to provide for a very localized pulling force for more severely damaged wheel wells. In this manner, it is possible that only one of the grasping channels engages the wheel well, such as when the auto-body technician initially begins a repair of a severely damaged wheel well where it is difficult to engage the wheel well with both grasping channels. It should be appreciated that it is not necessary to use a pulling loop 664 as panel 652 may be formed with a pulling hole 670 and 672 having a sufficient size to receive traditional pulling apparatus, such as the frame machine cable.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 11, a portion of Wheel Well Straightener 650 is shown in detail. More specifically, panel 652 is shown formed with a grasping channel 656 defining a channel gap 660. In this detailed view, it is shown that grasping channel 656 is formed with a curved portion 680. This curved portion minimizes the risk of tearing or otherwise deforming the pinch weld of a severely damages wheel well during the repair process.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 700. Wheel Well Straightener 700 includes a single panel 702 formed with a grasping channel 704 defining a channel gap 706. Panel 702 is also formed with a pulling hole 708 for attachment to a tension device, as discussed in more detail above. This embodiment has a length 710 greater than width 712 to provide a very stable pulling force to a pinch weld closely received within the grasping channel. More particularly, because pulling hole 708 is a distance away from grasping channel 704, an even pulling force will be applied along the entire grasping channel. In this manner, Wheel Well Straightener 700 may be advanced along the pinch weld of a damaged wheel well, yet also is suitable for localized engagement and pulling of the pinch weld. Further, since width 712 is small in relation to the radius of curvature for a typical wheel well, there is no need to bend panel 702 to accommodate wheel wells having larger or smaller radii.

[0046] While the Wheel Well Straighteners of the present invention have been discussed to have a panel curvature, it is to be appreciated that each panel may be formed flat. This is particularly useful when repairing a wheel well having little or no curvature.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, width 712 and length 710 of Wheel Well Straightener 700 are two inches (2″) and ten inches (10″) respectively. However, it is to be appreciated that any combination of dimensions is fully contemplated herein, and within the scope of this invention.

[0048] Referring back to FIG. 1, grasping channels 106, 108 and 110 are shown formed by bending a portion of panel 102. While this is a typical method of manufacturing such a grasping channel, it is also possible to form the grasping channels by attaching separate metal pieces to panel 102 to form the grasping channel, with such attachment being made by welding, for example. Consequently, while grasping channels have been discussed above as having a substantially U-shaped cross section, such shaping is not required to create a functional Wheel Well Straightener. On the contrary, the grasping channels may have any shape so long as the grasping channel can closely and securely receive a pinch weld.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 13, and alternative embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 750. Wheel Well Straightener 750 includes a panel 752 having a pair of channel stock sections 754 and 756 attached with welds 755 to form a pair of grasping channels 757 and 759, each having a channel gap 758. Grasping channels 757 and 759 are separated by spacing 762 which provides for the easy bending of panel 752 as discussed above.

[0050] While welds 755 have been discussed in conjunction with attaching the channels 757 and 759 to panel 752, it is to be appreciated that the channel may be attached in any manner known in the art which provides the strength required for use of the Wheel Well Straightener 750.

[0051] Wheel Well Straightener 750 is formed with pulling holes 764 and 766 for attachment to a tension source, such as a frame machine. Also, panel 752 may be formed with a pulling tab 768 formed with a pulling hole 770. As shown by dashed line 772, panel 752 need not be formed with a pulling tab, and instead may be attached to a tension device using pulling holes 764 and 766, or may be formed with a centered pulling hole 774.

[0052] Panel 752 may also be equipped with a reinforcing member 776 which provides a safe striking area where a hammer or mallet 778 may strike the Wheel Well Straightener 750 while not deforming or otherwise damaging panel 752. More specifically, when mallet 778 is swung in direction 780 it strikes reinforcing member 776, not panel 752 directly. In a preferred embodiment, reinforcing member 776 may simply be a U-shaped channel positioned over the side of panel 752 and attached in place, such as by welding. Alternatively, reinforcing member 776 may be held in place with removable retaining pins, or screws, thereby enabling the replacement of the reinforcing member 776.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 14, another embodiment of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention is shown and generally designated 800. Wheel Well Straightener 800 includes a panel 802 having a pulling tab, and formed near end 806 with a number of engagement slots 808. A removable grasping channel 810 is formed with a retaining pin 812 having a head 814. As shown by dashed line 816, head 814 of retaining pin 812 is inserted through engagement slot 808 and moved in direction 818 such that the retaining pin 812 is held in engagement slot 808. In a reverse manner, grasping channel 810 may be easily removed from panel 802. While not shown in this Figure, it is to be appreciated that removable grasping channel 810 may have more than one retaining pin 812 spaced along its length for simultaneously engaging multiple engagement slots 808 in panel 802.

[0054] Removable grasping channel 810 is shown having a length 820, a depth 822 and a channel gap thickness 824. In a preferred embodiment, length 820 is three inches (3″), depth 822 is one inch (1″) and gap thickness is one-quarter inch (¼″). The gap thickness of this preferred embodiment is just slightly larger than the thickness of a pinch weld (shown in FIG. 8), to securely grasp the pinch weld for repair.

[0055] Wheel Well Straightener 800 may also be equipped with a second removable grasping channel 832 having a retaining pin 834 having a head 836 which, as shown by dashed lines 837, may be inserted into engagement slot 808 and moved in direction 838. Second removable grasping channel 832 may have a different length 840, depth 842, and channel gap thickness 844 than removable grasping channel 810. Because each of these removable grasping channels is removable, it is possible to provide a Wheel Well Straightener with a variety of removable grasping channels, each with its own dimensions. Moreover, each removable grasping channel may be formed with a taper as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2 such that a combination of grasping channels can provide a continuously tapering channel gap from grasping channel to grasping channel thereby smoothing even the most damaged pinch well as the Wheel Well Straightener is advanced along the damaged pinch well.

Use of a Preferred Embodiment

[0056]FIGS. 7 and 8 show the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention being used to straighten a damaged wheel well on a vehicle. More specifically, vehicle 500 has a side panel 501 formed with a wheel well 502 which has a damaged portion 503. Wheel Well Straightener 504 is positioned within the wheel well 502, and the grasping channel 516 is positioned over the pinch-weld 514 formed between side panel 501 and the underbody 512. More specifically, grasping channel 516 of Wheel Well Straightener 504 is urged in direction 518 over the pinch-weld 514 such that the pinch-weld is closely and securely received and seated fully within the grasping channel 516 to completely fill channel gap 519. Consequently, grasping channel 516 may have a depth 520 and gap thickness 522 equivalent or slightly larger than the dimensions of the pinch weld 514 being repaired. Once the pinch-weld 514 is fully seated in the grasping channel 516, the pulling chain 508 is attached to hole 505 of the Wheel Well Straightener 504 and to a pulling apparatus such as a come-along, frame machine, power post, hook and chain, or any other suitable pulling apparatus known in the industry. The pulling apparatus is used to provide the tension to chain 508 in direction 510 necessary to reform the dented wheel well.

[0057] As the pull chain 508 is tightened, the wheel well is returned to its original curvature and thereby straightened. Also, while maintaining tension on the chain 508, the Wheel Well Straightener 504 may be advanced along the pinch-weld in direction 506. This advancement may be made by the striking of the Wheel Well Straightener 504 with a hammer or mallet such that the Straightener moves along the pinch-weld, thereby straightening the wheel well as it is advanced. In this application, the turned-up portions of the grasping channels are particularly advantageous as they allow the crumpled pinch-weld to be easily passed into the grasping channels where it can be straightened. In this manner, the outside surface 501 of the vehicle, as well as the inside surface of the wheel well 512 are simultaneously straightened.

[0058] While FIGS. 7 and 8 depict the use of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention in conjunction with a tension device, such as a frame machine, it is not necessary to use such a tension device. On the contrary, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention may be used by placing the device on an un-damaged portion of a wheel well, and then simply advancing the Wheel Well Straightener along the wheel well in direction 506, such as with a hammer. This is particularly effective when repairing a wheel well having only minor damage to the pinch weld.

[0059] Traditional auto body reconstructing methods result in troublesome dimples requiring extensive finishing work such as the need for fiberglass fillers, spot putty, and subsequent grinding. However, due to its wide pulling surface and the grasping channel which closely and securely receives the damages pinch weld, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention significantly minimizes the need for this subsequent finishing work, thus saving the auto-body technician a great deal of time and effort. Further, the present invention reduces metal fatigue and deformation of the wheel well and pinch weld caused by the traditional methods of spot pulling. In fact, because the Wheel Well straightener of the present invention firmly engages the strongest portion of a wheel well—the pinch weld—and returns the pinch weld to its original position, a wheel well repair traditionally requiring hours to repair may be completed in a mere fraction of that time.

[0060] Because of the compact nature of the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention, and because only minimal manual metal-bending of the wheel well is necessary, it is not necessary to remove the wheel from the automobile to repair a damaged wheel well. This feature is a significant improvement over the traditional repair techniques which required the auto-body technician to remove the tire in order to physically pound the wheel well metal back into its original position.

[0061] Using the Wheel Well Straightener of the presents invention, an auto-body technician may effectively repair a dented or damaged wheel well and save significant time and effort and further avoid the dimpling that occurs from traditional auto body reconstruction methods. Thus, the Wheel Well Straightener of the present invention alleviates the need to use the more conventional, brute-force methods of auto body repair.

Other Embodiments

[0062] While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A Wheel Well Straightener comprising: a panel; and a grasping channel attached to said panel and having a channel gap, said channel gap sized to closely receive a pinch weld and wherein said grasping channel is slidable along said pinch weld to straighten said pinch weld. 